The Tree Library
Common name: Chineese moerascipres (NL), Sjineeske sompesipres (Fryske), Dawn Redwood (EN)
Native range: China
Pollination: wind
Seed dispersal: Animals
Conservation: Endangered (IUCN, last assessed 2013). Population decreasing.
The unique Chineese moerascipres is characterized for its height, it grows up to 30 meters in 50 years. It was first discovered as a fossil in several parts of the world, and only in 1945 it was discovered alive in a small forest patch in China. Some of the seeds of the trees in that forest were collected and distributed in Arboretums around the world to prevent its extinction and observe its adaptability to varying conditions.
The tree looks like this in winter
the leaves…
and the bark…
References and more information at:
Plants of the World (Kew Botanical Garden)